• Constitutional amend’s are needed: MP Kariyawasam

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday (04) highlighted an urgent need for the government to introduce legislation to remove Members of Parliament from their Parliamentary seat if there was misconduct on their part.

The call comes in the wake of the Speaker of Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena recently stating that no action can be taken against Puttalam District MP Ali Sabri Raheem regarding the recent incident of the latter being caught smuggling in consignment of gold and mobile phones. The disgraced MP has used the Very Important Person (VIP) terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake to try to avoid mandatory checking which regular travellers are subjected to. The incident drew rare cross party criticism of a member of parliament, with many MPs calling for Raheem to quit, and blaming him for tarnishing all of them with his criminal deeds. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning, SJB MP and Chief Opposition Whip, Lakshman Kiriella said that even if some MPs who misbehaved in the past have been removed from their positions, there are currently no legal provisions to do so. "According to the current provisions, there is no possibility to remove an MP in any case except in cases of criminal charges. This is a serious issue." Kiriella stressed.

When asked if the SJB would recommend the introduction of such provisions, he said: "There is a need to introduce such provisions, but we do not represent the Government. It is the Government's job to take the necessary steps to introduce any necessary legal provisions. They should do it."

Meanwhile, while speaking to The Daily Morning, ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary and MP Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam said that there is a need to introduce such provisions, but it could only be done by amending the Constitution. "Currently, the relevant party leader can make a decision about an MP who is accused of misconduct, but it is not a very successful system. The Constitution should be amended to introduce other provisions that will enable the removal of an MP from office."

MP Raheem, who had arrived on FlyDubai flight FZ 547, was intercepted at the BIA as he tried to exit the Airport. Subsequently, he had been fined Rs. 7.5 million by Sri Lanka Customs, after which he had been released. The Customs had seized 3.397 kg of gold jewellery and biscuits valued at Rs.74 million, as well as 91 smartphones worth Rs.4.2 million, which had been discovered in the possession of the MP. Several parties including both Government and Opposition MPs have since demanded Raheem's resignation.